Central Queensland Muslims slam terrorist acts in Paris

THE Islamic Society of Central Queensland has condemned the terrorist actions of ISIS in Paris on Friday night.

The attacks had more than 130 people die and left almost 400 injured and 100 in a critical condition.

An ISCQ spokesperson said ISIS's actions were out of line with the beliefs of the religion.

"Islam condemns all forms of barbarity, murder, and attacks on innocent people. Muslims, scholars and laypersons the world over have, do, and will continue to condemn these and any extremists that use Islam to justify their actions," they said.

In a statement to The Observer, the spokes-person said it was time for the nation to show strength and solidarity.

"These acts are purely aimed at dividing and disrupting peace within otherwise harmonious communities," they said.

"The only way to defeat this divisive ideology is by showing courage and staying united."

He said the criminals who made the attacks were enemies of Islam and Muslims.

"While a very small number of Muslims are turning to extremism through a lack of understanding even the most basic principles of what Islam teaches, Islam as a belief cannot be radicalised.

"As Muslims, we reaffirm our belief, as emphasized in the Quran, that whoever kills one life, it is as if they have killed all of humanity, and whoever saves even one life, it is as if they have saved all of humanity (Chapter 5: Verse 32)."

Yesterday ISIS claimed responsibility for the eight attacks across Paris on Friday night and Saturday morning. One attacker has been confirmed as a refugee who entered Paris via Greece.

Flynn MP Ken O'Dowd said the attack was a reality check to our nation, and our work in screening the 1200 refugees who will move to Australia at the end of the year.

"It reiterates that we Australians, who are bringing in 1200 refugees, must be very strong vetted with security checks," Mr O'Dowd said.

"We must ensure that we only bring in the right people. At the first sign of trouble, they should be sent out of the country," he said.

Last month Mr O'Dowd told this paper he would welcome refugees to the central Queensland region, if jobs were available.

"1200 is quite a small percentage in the grand scheme," he said.

"We need to find a balance between the humanity side of this, and then the safety of Australians and the Australian way of life."

The attack sparked fresh claims on social media from Gladstone residents concerned about the intake of Syrian refugees in Australia.

However Gladstone Mayor Gail Sellers said the two issues should not be debated as one.

"It's devastating for the whole world," Cr Sellers said.

"The number of people who have died in this well-orchestrated attack in Paris has sent shock waves throughout the world, especially with myself and our community," she said.